Often referred as the "strong right arm of the Church," Knights of Columbus offers support for the church and local community.
Meetings are the First Wednesday of the month
Who are the Knights of Columbus Late-19th century Connecticut was marked by the growing fraternal benefit societies, anti-Catholic prejudice and dangerous factory working conditions that left many families fatherless. Recognizing a need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney , the 29-year-old assistant pastor of St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Conn., gathered a group of men at his parish on Oct. 2, 1881. He proposed establishing a lay organization to prevent Catholic men from entering secret societies opposing Church teaching. Thus, the purpose of the organization was to unite Catholic men and to help the families of deceased members. These men took Christopher Columbus as their patron. Christopher Columbus was a devout Catholic and had a devotion to our Holy Mother, Mary. This devotion demonstrated member’s loyalty to their faith as well as to their country.
The Knights of Columbus elected officers in February 1882 and assumed corporate status on March 29. The member’s devotion to charity, unity, fraternalism and patriotism became the principles of the order. The organization spread throughout the Americas, US territories, the Philippines and most recently Poland. Our organization consists of a Supreme Council, State Council and local councils. More detailed information may be found on our supreme website at Knights of Columbus.
With the initiative of Fr. Rosendo Rafael, a Knights of Columbus Council was chartered at Sacred Heart in June 1982. Initial membership was 22. Since then our council has grown to over 65 members. In Elgin, our Knights of Columbus council serves our Sacred Heart Parish. Other councils in small communities may serve multiple parishes.
Over the years, the council has assisted our parish, community, youth and family in various ways. Our council has sponsored youth basketball and little league ball teams. We have awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to graduating Elgin high school Catholic seniors and seminarian support. For a number of years our council has conducted a “Ladies Knight Out” which offers a formal appreciation meal to the ladies of our parish. This always takes place the Monday after Mothers Day. We have conducted several blood drives. Council members have sponsored a BBQ cooking team in the annual Elgin Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser. Our members are active in the annual fiesta held on Labor Day weekend by manning booths and also in helping with the setup of booths the day of fiesta and cleanup on the day after. Members have participated in Habitat for Humanity projects. Council members have offered travel assistance to medical facilities for seniors and disabled citizens in our community. We have assisted with hurricane relief efforts by opening our parish hall to refugees affected by these disasters. Our members are active in religious education classes and various church ministries. Our members have participated in various Right to Life initiatives such as March for Life, donations to Pregnancy outreach and the construction of the right to life monument in front of our Church. Most recently we have donated monies to our parish Building a Future Together initiative.
Our official council name is Fr. Rosendo Rafeal Council 8225. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is for Catholic men 18 years of age or older. One can join on line at Knights of Columbus and select get involved or by contacting one of our council members.
Please contact Gilbert Garza (Grand Knight) at 512-461-2637